I’ve been thinking about how the incarnation means nothing without the crucifixion. In fact the reason why God came down is so that he would be lifted up on a tree at Calvary. And if we only tell the beginning of the story we have no story at all — at least no gospel story.
The purpose of the manger was realized in the horrors of the cross. The purpose of his birth was his death. Or to put it more personally: Christmas is necessary because I am a sinner.
And so, in order for us to see Christmas for what Christmas really is, we must first see how disturbing the Christmas message really is.
Mahaney tells of an article written some years ago in WORLD Magazine by William H. Smith with the title, “Christmas is disturbing: Any real understanding of the Christmas messages will disturb anyone” (Dec. 26, 1992).
Smith ends his column with these words which I invite you to ponder:
Only those who have been profoundly disturbed to the point of deep repentance are able to receive the tidings of comfort, peace, and joy that Christmas proclaims.
And so my prayer for you and me is that we would be filled with peace and joy this Christmas–because we have been disturbed by the God who was born in a manger so he could die on a cross for our sins.
A few years ago I came across Lamplighter Publishing. Lamplighter publishes rare old books that communicate character education themes. Over the years, I have purchased quite a few books from Lamplighter for my family. One of my favorites is Hedge of Thorns by John Carroll. These books make great Christmas gifts!
This is even more funny for me as my two girls have wanted a puppy for quite some time, but I’m not giving in yet. For now, their little brother (2 1/2) is the “family dog.”
I’m a lot like Zechariah. You remember the story in Luke 1. An angel of the Lord appeared to him and told him that his wife would bear him a son named John. Though this was a messenger from God, Zechariah was not convinced. He said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years” (Luke 1:18). In other words, “I don’t believe you. All I see is that my wife and I are too old to have a baby.” With that, the angel, Gabriel, shut Zechariah’s mouth and made him silent because he “did not believe [God's] words, which will be fulfilled in their time” (Luke 1:20b).
In Luke 1:6, we see that Zechariah was a righteous man who walked blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But he didn’t always walk by faith. Here we see that his eyes were so fixed on his immediate circumstances–his age and the barrenness of his wife–that he couldn’t see the unseen promises of God. It’s ironic that God had to shut his mouth so he could see more clearly to walk by faith.
I’m a lot like Zechariah. I don’t always walk by faith. I like to know what’s ahead. I like it when God gives me clarity and shows me the way. I’d rather not take steps of faith and trust him and his word. I’d like to see it first. I don’t like to be led by something I can’t see. But I suppose that’s how God grows us. In the beginning of our Christian journey he gives us a pillar of fire to guide us through the wilderness of life. As we take steps on the journey he slowly takes away the pillar of fire that we can see so we would rely on the pillar of his promises that we can’t see. But just like Zechariah (and the Israelites before him), God has given us his word and his promises to guide us. These unseen truths are the very things we must look to and cling to when we feel like God is not there. Because he is there and his word stands forever. Every promise is “yes” and “Amen” in Christ.
So Lord, help me to lift my eyes away from myself to the unseen promises of your Word. Shut my mouth if you must so that I may learn to walk by faith even when I can’t see what’s ahead.
This is pretty sweet. I have to hand it to Anthony Rose (my senior pastor’s son) for his creativity and ingenuity to put this all together. I can’t imagine how much time it took. LBC members, I encourage you to go see it LIVE – Anthony’s posted his light show schedule on his facebook page.
Advent is a time of expectation and preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth. I encourage you to set aside some time with your family to focus on Jesus in these weeks leading up to Christmas. Here are some ideas:
The Resurgence also has an excellent series of posts on Learning to Advent together.
One thing we do in our home is sing Christmas songs together (I can still manage to play a few on the guitar!) and talk about the words to these songs. I’ve found that some of them are rich in theology (i.e. Joy to the World).
Whatever you do, make it simple and fun for your kids!
I consider myself to be a rather reflective person. Sadly, all too often my reflecting is not done in a spirit of thanksgiving. So, with the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, I had an idea … and I commend it to you.
First, read Psalm 9:1 which says, “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all your wonderful deeds.” Take that in. Meditate on that verse.
Next, go all the way back to the beginning of your life and recount all the wonderful things God has done for you. You may need to carve out some time for this. But go ahead … take a long walk (might be a good thing before the big turkey dinner!) and just let the many memories of life pass before you. Think about each memory as an opportunity to thank God.
Next, as you recount the many ways that God has showered his mercy on your life, think about how one experience or one person triggered another experience and another person that God has sovereignly brought into your life for His glory and your good. Let your mind become like a big mural of his grace to stand back and look at.
Finally, meditate on the reality that you’ve only scratched the surface of the many mercies God has given you. It will take all of eternity to count the number of blessings in your life! For now, end in prayer and then go and share a word of thanks to someone whom God used to bless and impact your life.
Parents and teachers, here is a Thanksgiving lesson I wrote awhile back for children – probably best suited for elementary age. It presents the story of Jesus and the Ten Lepers from Luke 17:11-19 with the main point being, “All gifts from God should point us back to God and cause us to give thanks to God!”
